The best healthy pasta salad recipes! These light and refreshing pasta salad recipes are excellent alternatives to the traditional creamy, mayo-laden heavy versions.
There’s almost nothing better to eat at a summer BBQ than pasta salad.
Sure, the meat, baked beans, and corn are tasty…
…but those pasta salads are always the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Tender pasta and crunchy veggies tossed in a flavorful dressing just feels extra special.
You might be used to the heavy macaroni salads your mom or grandma used to make, and may even be getting tired of the same ol’ recipe.
Sure, they’re delicious. But perhaps you’d like a healthier alternative that’s lighter and more refreshing.
Luckily, I put together a list of healthy pasta salad recipes to give you lots of inspiration!
You can make one of them for your next picnic, BBQ, or summer party, or get lots of ideas for side dishes or light lunches on those hot summer days.
There’s a TON of variety here, so you’ll definitely find several you want to try.
Let’s dive in!
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The best healthy pasta salad recipes! These light and refreshing pasta salad recipes are excellent alternatives to the traditional creamy, mayo-laden heavy versions.
1
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.livinglou.com
A light and fresh pasta salad with lemon herb vinaigrette that’s colorful, tasty, and refreshing. Not to mention packed with nutritious veggies, feta, and olives.
2
Black Bean & Corn Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:thegoodheartedwoman.com
This colorful, easy-to-make pasta salad is a cool mix of garden vegetables, fresh herbs, sweet corn and black beans tossed in a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. And it comes together in under 30 minutes!
3
Turkey Pasta Salad with Tahini
Photo Credit:www.throughthefibrofog.com
This turkey pasta salad combines fresh vegetables, herbs and a tahini dressing. It's easy to make, and perfect as summer picnic food or to serve with BBQ food.
4
Creamy Mexican Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:cupcakesandkalechips.com
This delicious Mexican Pasta Salad is full of amazing colors, flavors, and texture for a satisfying side dish or even a meatless meal. The creamy Southwestern dressing is made lighter with Greek yogurt.
5
Pasta Salad with Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
Photo Credit:www.livinglou.com
You’ll love this Mediterranean inspired pasta salad with sun dried tomatoes, arugula, artichokes, tomatoes and olives. Loaded with flavor, this will be a winning potluck recipe.
6
Pearl Couscous Salad
Photo Credit:thegreenloot.com
Every BBQ needs a few good side dishes, and this vegan couscous salad with summer vegetables fits the bill. Couscous is tossed with basil leaves, cucumbers, olives, and tomatoes. It’s all dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette.
7
Lemon Summer Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:joyfoodsunshine.com
With a delicious homemade lemon dressing, fresh dill and in-season summer vegetables, this lemon pasta salad tastes so fresh and is irresistibly delicious!
8
Glass Noodle Salad (Easy Vegan & Gluten Free Salad)
Photo Credit:plantbasedfolk.com
This Asian-inspired noodle salad is with fresh and healthy chopped crunchy veggies and tossed in a zesty soy sauce.
9
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.throughthefibrofog.com
With sweet roasted vegetables, herbs and a creamy tahini dressing, this roasted vegetable pasta salad has a creamy sweetness without the mayo.
10
Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas
Photo Credit:cheneetoday.com
Did you know couscous is a type of pasta? You're in for a treat with this vegan couscous salad with chickpeas and charred corn!
11
Greek Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.theroastedroot.net
Greek Pasta Salad with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, red onion, and pepperoncinis with a tangy Greek dressing is magical for any warm weather gathering. Put it on repeat for any BBQ, summer picnic, and hot summer days!
12
Garden Veggie Macaroni Salad and Creamy Avocado Dressing
Photo Credit:xoxobella.com
For a colorful and healthy lunch or side dish, try this garden veggie macaroni salad with a creamy avocado dressing. The garlic, horseradish, and avocado dressing pairs perfectly with the pasta and veggies, creating a fresh and flavorful salad that is sure to impress.
13
Spicy Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com
This delectable Spicy Vegan Peanut Pasta Salad is an excellent method to utilize remaining spaghetti noodles, as it is brimming with vegetables and has a little kick to it. It's a speedy and effortless dish to prepare, making it ideal for dinner, lunch boxes, and potlucks!
14
Lemon Basil Chickpea Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.bessiebakes.com
This vibrant Lemon Basil Chickpea Pasta Salad is full of flavor and texture with cucumbers, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, red onions, feta, and a bright lemon basil dressing!
15
Goat Cheese Pasta Salad with Asparagus & Lemon
Photo Credit:foxeslovelemons.com
Putting together this creamy pasta salad with goat cheese is easy and it is sure to be a favorite with your family! You can personalize it with any vegetables that suit your preferences.
16
Summer Pasta Salad with Grilled Vegetables
Photo Credit:www.ourhappymess.com
This fresh-tasting pasta salad is packed with your favorite farmer’s market veggies and feta cheese, and tossed in a tangy, herby balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the perfect way to use up those summer vegetables.
17
Vegan Italian Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:thegreenloot.com
This recipe uses rotini noodles that grab the dressing and the copious amounts of nutritional yeast instead of cheese makes this dish perfect for your guests with dietary restrictions. Toss in as many cured and fresh veggies as you like.
18
Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:thefoodieandthefix.com
This Balsamic Basil Pasta Salad is packed with delicious Italian flavors and is a crowd favorite! The crunchy, colorful veggies and balsamic vinegar zestiness make it an irresistible healthy pasta salad.
19
Sundried Tomato Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:greenbowl2soul.com
Sundried tomato pasta salad-a hearty vegetarian salad bursting with flavors. The best part of this pasta salad is the dressing made with sundried tomatoes and walnuts which gives it a taste similar to pesto pasta salad. It's delicious!
20
Vegan Avocado Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:thestingyvegan.com
This vegan avocado pasta salad is a quick 15-minute recipe that can be prepped ahead and great to take along to a picnic, barbecue, potluck or as an easy weeknight dinner. This no-mayo pasta salad is deliciously creamy and packed full of fresh veggies
21
Vegan Macaroni Salad (No Mayo)
Photo Credit:www.breesveganlife.com
This vegan macaroni salad has the delicious taste of a classic macaroni salad, with a tasty dairy-free cashew dressing. It’s so creamy that you won’t miss the mayo!
22
Lemon Orzo Salad
Photo Credit:www.peelwithzeal.com
This orzo salad is light and lemony, perfect for spring and summer. Crisp asparagus and roasted peppers add color and texture for a unique, healthy pasta salad.
23
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.theroastedroot.net
Light and refreshing Creamy Chicken Pasta with fresh zippy summer veggies and a tangy, Greek yogurt dressing is marvelously easy and is a zesty, healthier pasta salad recipe. Perfect as a side dish to any gathering or as a main dish for those times you’re craving a refreshing chilled pasta experience.
24
Herbed Summer Corn Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.rachaelhartleynutrition.com
The BEST healthy pasta salad for summer! This herbed summer corn pasta salad features fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, feta cheese and tons of herbs for the perfect medley of flavor and texture.
25
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.runningtothekitchen.com
Tofu pasta salad is an easy light and healthy meal or side dish bursting with fresh summer vegetables and an easy balsamic dressing. A protein packed way to enjoy pasta salad while keeping it plant-based.
26
Easy Basil Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado
Photo Credit:www.suburbansimplicity.com
Enjoy this easy Basil Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado in less than 20 minutes! It's a flavorful, healthy pasta salad to make again and again!
27
Broccoli Strawberry Pasta Salad
Photo Credit:www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com
Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic broccoli salad. Made with broccoli, sunflower seeds, strawberries, and onions, it’s a unique combination that just works.
Ready to try some of these healthy pasta salad recipes?
I hope this list of easy summer pasta salad recipes has given you lots of inspiration for healthier alternatives to traditional pasta salad.
From citrus flavor profiles, to really unusual taste combinations that somehow just work, I hope you found a bunch to add to your summer dinner menu!
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